Queensland Ballet is calling on bold, boundary-pushing creatives from around the world to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for its highly anticipated Bespoke 2026 season. Taking place from 4 August – 26 September 2025, the EOI Program invites creatives across all disciplines to pitch original ideas for new collaborative works to be developed and performed in July 2026 at Brisbane’s Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre.
Led by the curatorial vision of incoming Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega, Bespoke 2026 signals a new era of innovation for the Company, offering an open invitation to choreographers, composers, designers, visual artists, sound producers, filmmakers, and other interdisciplinary creatives to collaborate in redefining contemporary performance.
“This is an open invitation to creatives who may have never considered working with a ballet company,” says Ivan Gil-Ortega. “We’re expanding the boundaries of what creative collaboration can look like in today’s performing arts landscape. Bespoke is about bringing diverse voices together – from different disciplines, cultures, and artistic backgrounds and giving them the space and support to create something entirely new. This is your platform.”
Whether your concept is just beginning or already in development, Queensland Ballet wants to hear from you.
About the Program
Selected finalists from all artistic niches will receive the opportunity to develop creative and internationally recognised portfolio work, access state-of-the-art design resources, gain exposure to audiences of 2000+, and benefit from a dedicated team of marketing and communications specialists promoting their talent. Past Queensland Ballet Bespoke seasons have elevated acclaimed creatives such as Jack Lister, Katina Olsen, and others into the international spotlight. The final performance program will feature several short, standalone works (approx. 20–25 minutes each) developed through close collaboration with Queensland Ballet’s Artistic and Production teams.
Selected collaborators will receive:
- A fee-based commission
- Studio development time with Queensland Ballet dancers
- Access to the Company’s state-of-the-art production facilities and technical crew
- Creative consultation and dramaturgical support
- High-profile performance season at the Talbot Theatre
- National marketing and publicity support
- Ongoing rights for Queensland Ballet to present the works over the next five years.
What We’re Looking For
- Emerging and established creatives from the disciplines of:
▪ Choreography
▪ Design – costume, fashion, or textile
▪ Design – set, staging, or lighting
▪ Design – hair and makeup artistry
▪ Visual Art – traditional and mixed media
▪ Visual Art – digital and new media
▪ Photography and Cinematography
▪ Music – composition, live performance, orchestration, or arrangement
▪ Music – production, sound design, scoring, or interactive/generative
▪ Other specialty areas are encouraged to enter
- Unseen and original creative ideas that have not been performed or developed elsewhere.
- A proposal that fits within the technical capabilities of the Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre.
The Creative Process
Selected finalists will be supported through:
- Creative consultation and dramaturgy support
- Studio development time and access to Company dancers
- Fully supported production and technical integration in the Talbot Theatre
- Essential resources and materials funded by Queensland Ballet.
Finalists will be selected on their portfolio-work, collaborative capabilities, and creative experience at the discretion of Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega and Artistic selection board. Queensland Ballet retains the rights to present creative works for five years from the 2026 Bespoke season.
Key Dates
- Monday 4 August 2025 | Expressions of Interest Open
- Friday 26 September 2025 (5pm AEST) | Expressions of Interest Close
- Friday 3 October 2025 | Creatives Shortlisted
- Monday 13 October 2025 | Creatives Finalised and Notified
- Tuesday 21 October 2025 | Queensland Ballet Season 2026 Launch – Winners Announced
- Tuesday 2 June – Saturday 18 July 2026 | Rehearsals with Queensland Ballet Dancers
Friday 10 July – Saturday 25 July 2026 | Performances at the Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre
How to Apply
Creatives must submit:
- A 250-word concept proposal
- A 250-word biography outlining experience and creative practice
- A link to their portfolio or relevant supporting material
